Discover the power of a travel consultant. From stress-free personalized itineraries and expert guidance to catering to the unique needs of an Orthodox Jewish family.
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Travel can open doors to new experiences, cultures, and personal growth–or fun, recreation, and relaxation. However, the actual planning can be overwhelming, with countless options and considerations. That’s why you need a travel consultant! But, what is travel consulting? What are the benefits? And how can it transform your travel experiences? Furthermore, there are specific advantages a travel consultant offers to Orthodox Jewish families, considering our unique needs and sensitivities.
What is a Travel Consultant?
How often have you sat down to plan a vacation and had no idea where to start? I mean like literally have no idea! Like you don’t even know where you want to go or what you what to do?
Or you know exactly where you want to go and what you want to do, but you’re overwhelmed or don’t have time to do the actual planning?
Or something in between. You have a general idea of what type of trip you want but don’t really know how to go about putting together all the moving parts. (Or if it’s even possible as a kosher keeping and Shabbos observant Jew.)
Enter the travel consultant…
Travel consulting is a specialized service within the travel industry that provides expert guidance and assistance in planning and organizing personalized travel experiences. Travel consultants work closely with individuals or groups to understand their unique preferences, interests, and travel goals. We leverage our extensive knowledge, industry connections, and expertise to curate tailored itineraries that suit your needs.
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Some travel consultants provide a very general overview and suggestions while some provide extremely detailed minute-by-minute planning. Most fall somewhere in between. Many travel consultants specialize in a particular geographic area, demographic, mode, style of travel, or other niche.
A common practice is to offer a free consultation. I like to use this time to determine what level of involvement in the planning the client is interested in.
I have had clients that just want a general itinerary and suggestions. Others want options with pros and cons for almost everything so they can decide for themselves. And I have had other clients who want everything planned for them. There is a wide range, and fees will generally vary accordingly.
Why Choose a Travel Consultant?
Travel consultants play a vital role in ensuring a memorable and seamless travel experience. They bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the table. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or embarking on your first adventure, partnering with a travel consultant offers numerous benefits.
Expert Guidance
Travel consultants are passionate about travel and have extensive knowledge about various destinations worldwide. They can recommend the best time to visit, suggest off-the-beaten-path attractions, and provide valuable insights that only seasoned travelers possess. They stay up-to-date with the latest travel trends, safety protocols, and emerging destinations. Their expertise ensures that your trip is well-planned, seamless, and tailored to your preferences. All the parts work together.
Personalized Itineraries
A travel consultant’s primary focus is to create unforgettable experiences. By taking the time to understand your interests and preferences, we can curate unique itineraries, recommend hidden gems, and provide insights that enhance your journey. One of the significant advantages of travel consulting is the creation of tailor-made itineraries. Whether it’s an epic cross-country road trip, a weekend getaway, a solo backpacking trip, or an opportunity to make the most of a long layover, the consultant ensures that every aspect of the journey aligns with your desires.
Insider Knowledge and Access
Travel consultants have access to a vast network of industry contacts, including local tour operators, accommodations, and travel agencies. This allows them to provide unique experiences, exclusive discounts, and insider tips that are not easily accessible to independent travelers. This insider knowledge and access can include special promotions, exclusive deals, and value-added amenities that can elevate your travel experience.
Save Time and Stress
Planning a trip can be time-consuming and stressful, especially when you have limited knowledge of a particular destination. With travel consulting, clients can offload the burden of researching, comparing prices, and [possibly] making reservations. Travel consultants have the expertise and resources to streamline the process, saving you valuable time and effort. Consultants help with all the logistical details, including flights, accommodations, transportation, visas, and travel insurance. Thus allowing clients to focus on enjoying their journey, as well as not be stressed during the lead up to the trip. I’ll even provide suggestions on making the homecoming smoother.
Save Money
Travel consultants play a crucial role in helping clients save money on their travel experiences. In addition to everything mentioned above, we have insights into the best times to book flights and accommodations, allowing clients to take advantage of lower prices and avoid peak travel seasons. Travel consultants can provide cost-saving tips and advice, such as recommending alternative airports or suggesting budget-friendly attractions and activities.
And although we leverage our expertise and connections to help you maximize your travel dollars and achieve the best value for your money, we also know when to tell you it might be worth splurging–within your budget and values, of course!
Ongoing Support
A travel consultant’s role often goes beyond creating itineraries. Many consultants continue to serve as a reliable point of contact throughout the duration of the trip, offering assistance in case of unforeseen circumstances or emergencies. This level of support provides peace of mind, particularly for inexperienced travelers or those in unfamiliar destinations.
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Travel Consultant for Orthodox Jewish Families
As mentioned earlier, many travel consultants specialize in a particular niche (or several). Orthodox Jewish families have some specific considerations when traveling. As such, it’s important to work with a travel consultant that understands those needs. Furthermore, since there is great diversity within the Orthodox Community, it is beneficial that the consultant understands the nuance of your specific needs.
For example, there are certain destinations and experiences that I would be hesitant to go to with my teenage son, and some I wouldn’t take any of my children. But, I have friends that wouldn’t have such hesitations. Conversely, there are also experiences that my family has had that I would not suggest to some of my clients. And that’s why the initial consultation is even more important!
Having said that, even with the variations, there are several general categories that are of concern to a greater or lesser degree. And much of the planning needed in these areas is better addressed by a travel consultant who specializes in serving Orthodox Jewish families.
Kosher Food
Ever notice that we’re the only ones who get on a 3-hour flight with a 3-week supply of food? We’re so nervous that something will go wrong and we’ll have nothing to eat! So much so that when people hear that we have traveled cross country in an RV with our kids (several times), the first question we are asked is “What did you do about food?” To which we simply point out that our RV has a full kitchen (fridge, freezer, oven, stove, microwave, double sinks, etc.). We can take a fridge/freezer full of whatever we need and cook just like at home (almost).
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At the same time, I do recognize that keeping kosher is a fundamental aspect of Orthodox Jewish life. And it can be anxiety-producing when you don’t know how you’re going to feed your children. As such, travel consultants familiar with the needs of the kosher consumer can identify accommodations and dining options that meet your dietary requirements. We can recommend hotels with kosher kitchens, access to kosher restaurants, or arrangements for kosher meal deliveries. Consultants can connect you with kosher caterers, restaurants, and food suppliers at your destination. and assist in arranging kosher meal options during flights, transfers, and day trips.
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And for the more DIY type, we can explain all sorts of other options. I often have clients who have never ventured out of major Jewish centers and are just unaware of some relatively simple solutions.
Shabbos On The Go
The observance of Shabbos is essential and non-negotiable to Orthodox Jewish families. Travel consultants can help plan accommodations that provide Shabbos-friendly amenities, such as proximity to synagogues, access to an eruv, and accommodations that offer Shabbos elevators or non-electronic/sensor entries.
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And, again, due to our experience, we can walk you through what you can do if you plan to spend Shabbos in a more remote or secluded destination. Or help you find families who will host you for meals or even an entire Shabbos.
Synagogue/Minyan
Travel consultants familiar with the workings of the Orthodox community understand that different people have different needs when it comes to access to a minyan while traveling. Some of my clients don’t mind missing minyan the entire vacation, others want to at least have a minyan on Shabbos, and others will plan the whole trip around access to a minyan. I even know people who travel with their own minyan, thus ensuring they always have a quorum without limiting their plans.
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For families seeking to attend synagogue services while traveling, a travel consultant familiar with various destinations can recommend synagogues or Jewish communities that are welcoming to visitors. We can give you information about local minyan schedules as well as help facilitate any other religious need you may have.
Cultural Sensitivities
While kashrus, Shabbos, and minyan tend to be the big three areas of concern for Orthodox Jews planning a trip outside of their familiar environment, they are not the only ones. As discussed earlier, there is a wide variety of experiences and environments within which different families are comfortable. Travel consultants who are familiar with subtle distinctions can ensure that all arrangements and activities respect these sensitivities. Areas of consideration include gender segregation, modest dress, the content of exhibits, public displays, or accommodations that provide a religiously appropriate environment. Just to name a few.
The more insular the community you live in, the greater value you will find in exploring these considerations when meeting with your travel consultant.
Cultural Immersion
Some of my clients live their lives “in a fishbowl”. They are such communal figures that they feel they are always being watched and have to be “on”. So when they go on vacation they really want to get away.
I used to know someone who was a principal of a school and he was also the rabbi of a synagogue in a different community. As a result, almost wherever he went, he was a communal figure. So when he went on vacation he just wanted to decompress and disconnect (this was back in the 1990s before this was even a thing).
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On the other hand, many families will seek opportunities to connect with local Jewish communities. We can find you accommodations in the heart of the community with easy access to everything (kosher food, Shabbos hosts, synagogue, etc.). We can arrange volunteer opportunities or visits to sites with Jewish historical significance.
Using the services of a travel consultant specializing in Orthodox Jewish family travel allows you to embrace the freedom to explore the world with confidence and peace of mind. You’ll have unforgettable experiences while ensuring that your specific needs are addressed, making your journey a seamless and enriching one.
Schedule your consultation today!
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